Yorkshire woman puts on her running shoes to complete Flora London Marathon to help raise funds for Meningitis UK
A Yorkshire woman who only took up running in December is hoping to complete the Flora London Marathon and raise funds for a charity close to her heart.
Tracey Spiers, from Pontefract, is pounding the pavements to get in shape for the big run in April and raise money for Meningitis UK after her friend's son was struck down with the disease.
Despite not putting on a pair of running shoes until the week before Christmas, she has kick-started a fitness regime to get in shape.
Mother-of-two Tracey, aged 41, said: "I really want to help raise awareness of how devastating meningitis can be. It's so great to feel that I'm doing something worthwhile.
"I attend a gym but running is a whole new level. I am enjoying the training so much though, and I'm out three or four times a week. I'm not looking at the marathon as a race, my aim is just to finish it."
Tracey first became aware of the affects of meningitis after her friend Joanna Simpson had to rush her nine-month-old son Joseph to hospital in 2002. He recovered but still suffers from some problems, including epilepsy.
Tracey added: "We are just so grateful that Joseph survived. I never knew what meningitis was before then but now I realise how naïve I was and I feel I have to give something back to help.
"My children are so proud of me for taking part."
Meningitis can be incredibly difficult to detect because the symptoms are often hard to distinguish from more minor ailments such as the common cold or flu, and there are occasions when people show no or very few symptoms.
Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine campaign aims to raise £7million over the next seven years to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against meningococcal group B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK. This accounts for almost 90 per cent of all cases and there is still no vaccine.
Tracey added: "I think it is such a great cause that I'd advise anyone who has an independent place and is still looking for a charity to run for, to do it for Meningitis UK."
Meningitis UK's Chief Executive Steve Dayman said "Meningitis UK has a single focus - to find a vaccine to eradicate meningitis. In the absence of the vaccines we desperately need, early identification of the symptoms plus prompt hospital treatment can mean the difference between life and death.
"We are very grateful to Tracey for running for us as every bit of help is so important in enabling us to continue our vital work and will take us one step closer to finding a vaccine and saving lives."
Everyone who runs for Meningitis UK will be part of the Meningitis Musketeers team, with the motto ‘All 4 One and One 4 All' - to highlight the devastating fact that meningitis can kill in under 4 hours and the importance of the charity's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign.
Full support will be given and everyone who participates will receive a free Search 4 a Vaccine running vest or T-shirt, and a handy information pack including hints and tips on how to prepare.
As part of her fundraising drive, Tracey will be holding a street collection in Pontefract on Saturday, February 9.
To support her, visit www.justgiving.com/traceyspiers
If you want an independent place in the Flora London Marathon and would like to run for Meningitis UK, or are interested in finding out about other events, call Fundraising Officer Emily Knight on 0117 373 7373 for a sponsorship pack.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
